Bye Bye Bayrou — French PM Likely to Be Ousted

France could well be without a government for the second time on 8 September.

- Roshan Bourget

François Bayrou, French Prime Minister since December 2024, will face the confidence vote next week and he is all set to lose.

For an experienced politician who spent over three decades within the corridors of political power, his rise to Matignon, the PM's office was a beautiful culmination of a legendary career. But in the polarized political climate of the day, it has become a poisoned chalice.

Bayrou came into office with a clear remit from President Emmanuel Macron.

His 2026 budget proposal foresees savings of over €43 billion, including halting social benefits despite inflation increasing, reducing state spending, closing loopholes for tax avoidance, applying solidarity contributions to the wealthy, and lucratively eliminating two bank holidays.

To Bayrou, these draconian measures are a regrettable necessity to prevent a debt crisis. To many French electors, however, they are a manifestation of war on cherished social welfare and national traditions.

Responses have been immediate and toxic, pointing out precisely how difficult—if not impossible—it is to attempt to reform France's welfare system.